HTC Vive Pre
HTC just announced the Vive Pre, its
second-generation virtual reality headset, which improves on the original Vive
that was unveiled last year.
Manufactured in collaboration with Valve
(just like the first Vive), the Vive Pre comes with a refreshed design, being
smaller, and having an updated strap system for greater comfort, and improved
stability. The headset also features an enhanced visual system, including
brighter displays for increased clarity. Thanks to interchangeable foam inserts
and nose gaskets, the Vive Pre suits a large variety of facial shapes, and is
compatible with eyeglasses.
HTC also improved the Vive’s
controllers, which now offer better ergonomics, enhanced grip pads, haptic
feedback, and integrated rechargeable batteries - a single charge via microUSB
can provide more than 4 hours of runtime.
Another novelty that the Vive Pre is
bringing is a front-facing camera that's there to blend physical elements into
virtual worlds: you won't have to remove the headset to find real objects, take
a seat, or simply carry out conversations.
HTC and Valve are planning to make the
Vive Pre commercially available starting April this year, for a price that
hasn't been unveiled.
